Message From the Superintendent, Sept. 14, 2020

Disponible en: Español

Dear Aldine Community,

As we continue to monitor our regions’ health conditions, we are pleased to welcome back all staff Monday, September 14. Their return is preparation as we welcome back a targeted group of students later this month.

Re-0pening Plans for Students
In consultation with local officials and health experts, we have moved our decision meter to the Orange Level. Orange signifies a severe and uncontrolled level of COVID-19 in our community as determined by local health officials, meaning that there is ongoing transmission of the virus. We are advised to minimize contact with others and avoid medium or large gatherings.

As you know, we have remained vigilant about the number of cases in the community. With our students’ and staff’s health in mind, we will begin in-person instruction for specific groups of students who selected on-campus learning starting Monday, September 21.

Our COVID Task Force has worked to identify the groups of students who would benefit most from in-person instruction (including early childhood, English language learners, students in specialized programs, etc.). The return schedule is for students who selected learning on campus as of August 26, 2020.

Safety Precautions and Protocols:
As with everything, we approach returning to in-person instruction with thoughtfulness and the utmost of care. Our protocols require all students and staff to complete a health pre-screening survey each day before reporting to school and work. Additionally, Aldine ISD requires all employees and students to wear face coverings, follow social distancing guidelines, and complete frequent handwashing.

Visitation policy is restricted to only staff and students.
PPE has been distributed to all departments and campuses and includes hand sanitizer, masks, and gloves. Hand sanitizing stations have been strategically placed around each building.
District custodial staff are cleaning all bathrooms and common areas, often using hospital-grade disinfectant solutions.
All district buildings are limited to the public. Visitors must have an appointment, wear a face covering, and follow all social distancing guidelines.

We will continue to share more information about protocols and procedures next week.

For students not in these categories or those who opted to learn at home for the first nine weeks, learning will continue to occur virtually. We have received positive feedback from families so far about the great interactions that have been possible online. While nothing can replace our time together face-to-face, I am heartened to hear #AldineAnywhere has kept students and teachers connected. I look forward to when we can all be together.

As circumstances and needs change, we recognize that families may need to change their mode of learning. Families will have the opportunity to change their instructional commitment for the next grading period. The process for making these changes will be communicated soon and will go into effect on October 20.

UIL Activities
Our Athletics and Performing Arts programs are eager to begin their seasons. Coaches and leaders have collaborated to develop a comprehensive plan that includes safety and health plans to ensure students can practice and perform safely. Starting Monday, September 14, middle and high school athletes will begin strength and condition camps. On-campus rehearsals for small groups of musicians will start next week.

Student Lunch Options
Breakfast and lunch will be provided for all students learning at home or learning at school. Students learning at school in Grades 1-12 will be provided meal service through several methods:

Mobile breakfast carts will be stationed throughout each school to practice social distancing and speed service.
Dining room seating will be available in the cafeteria. Tables have been marked to ensure social distancing.
Primary school students will have meals delivered to the classroom and utilize limited dining room seating.

The Child Nutrition team has worked hard to ensure we can serve all families no matter if they are learning on campus or at home.

Transportation
For students returning to campuses during the transition period, transportation will be provided to eligible and registered students. All students riding the school bus will be required to wear a mask. Hand sanitizer stations are located at the front entrance of all buses for students to use before they enter and exit the bus. Student riders will be seated one per seat and will be asked to sit close to the window. As in previous years, families should download the Here Comes the Bus app to receive updates on their child’s bus location.

Parent Training Opportunities:
Our Family and Community Engagement (FACE) team members work hard to provide families with information, support, and resources for a successful school year. Each week, FACE offers online opportunities to connect. Please see below for the next session.

Wednesday, September 16 / miércoles, 16 de septiembre

Topic/Tema: Have Fun Creating a Virtual Classroom / Como crear un salón de clase virtual
- English Session Start Time / Inicio de sesión en inglés: 9 a.m.
  - Password / Contraseña: parents
  - https://bit.ly/2DRe7pr
- Spanish Session Start Time / Hora de inicio de sesión en español: 2:30 p.m.
  - https://bit.ly/3mcoPIe
  - Password / Contraseña: padres

With so many changes and updates happening, your family’s contact information must be up to date. Please update your contact information via Home Access Center (HAC). If you need to create an account, visit our HAC web page. Additionally, bookmark AldineISD.org. We use the contact information on file to communicate changes, share updates, and inform families and students about health and weather conditions.

As we head into a new phase of our Return to Learn plan, I am convinced that our amazing team of educators, students, and families are prepared to rise to the challenge. It continues to be a source of pride and inspiration to see how each member of our community has persevered through this period of uncertainty. In doing so, we are modeling to our students, and many others, the power of collaboration and shared commitment. Keep up the great work and stay safe.

With Aldine Pride,